Senior Characterisation Engineer, High-Speed SI & Automation

Sierra Wireless; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

As a Senior Staff Characterisation Engineer at Semtech’s Bristol team, you will lead planning and execution of bench PVT characterisation for advanced high-speed signal integrity products across optical and electrical semiconductor technologies.

Working with an international development team across the UK, Canada, the United States, and Mexico, you will develop automated test solutions, analyse complex datasets, and ensure successful product development and release while maintaining strong

Qualifications

• BEng or MEng in Electronic Engineering or closely related discipline
• 5–10 years of relevant industry experience in semiconductor, signal integrity, or high-speed electronics development environments
• Strong experience and understanding of signal integrity testing for high-speed analogue silicon products
• Hands-on experience developing automation solutions using Python or similar programming languages
• Strong understanding of PCB design fundamentals for high-frequency and high-speed data rate applications
• Experience working within laboratory environments using advanced electronic test equipment
• Proven ability to generate, manage, and analyse large and complex engineering datasets
• Excellent debugging, troubleshooting, and analytical problem-solving skills

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of characterisation activities for assigned New Product Introduction (NPI) products, including development of characterisation plans, scheduling, equipment selection, hardware preparation, and fixture design. (30%)
• Develop and bring up robust, repeatable automated test environments while executing test plans and performing real‑time analysis of characterisation results to ensure accurate and timely project delivery. (25%)
• Generate complex datasets, produce detailed technical reports, review findings with cross‑functional engineering teams, and proactively manage follow‑up actions to maintain product quality and performance standards. (20%)
• Contribute to ongoing automation and process development activities, including Python‑based test automation, automated test method development, signal integrity improvements, and implementation of AI tools to improve engineering efficiency. (15%)
• Support technical development within the wider engineering team by mentoring junior engineers, sharing technical expertise, and continuously expanding knowledge of emerging technologies, test equipment, standards, and advanced packaging technologies. (10%)

Skills

Data analysis

Debugging and troubleshooting

Team collaboration

High-speed signal awareness

Laboratory problem-solving

PCB design fundamentals

Education

BEng or MEng in Electronic Engineering

Tools

Python

Automated test equipment (ATE)

Job description

As a Senior Staff Characterisation Engineer at Semtech’s Bristol team, you will lead planning and execution of bench PVT characterisation for advanced high-speed signal integrity products across optical and electrical semiconductor technologies.

Working with an international development team across the UK, Canada, the United States, and Mexico, you will develop automated test solutions, analyse complex datasets, and ensure successful product development and release while maintaining strong